Only very few long-term records of formaldehyde (HCHO) exist that are suitable for trend analysis. Furthermore, many uncertainties remain as to its diurnal cycle, representing a large short-term ... [more ▼]

Only very few long-term records of formaldehyde (HCHO) exist that are suitable for trend analysis. Furthermore, many uncertainties remain as to its diurnal cycle, representing a large short-term variability superimposed on seasonal and inter-annual variations that should be accounted for when comparing ground-based observations to e.g., model results. In this study, we derive a multi-decadal time series (January 1988 – June 2015) of HCHO total columns from ground-based high-resolution Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) solar spectra recorded at the high-altitude station of Jungfraujoch (Swiss Alps, 46.5° N, 8.0° E, 3580 m a.s.l.), allowing for the characterization of the mid-latitudinal atmosphere for background conditions. First we investigate the HCHO diurnal variation, peaking around noontime and mainly driven by the intra-day insolation modulation and methane (CH4) oxidation. We also characterize quantitatively the diurnal cycles by adjusting a parametric model to the observations, which links the daytime to the HCHO columns according to the monthly intra-day regimes. It is then employed to scale all the individual FTIR measurements on a given daytime in order to remove the effect of the intra-day modulation for improving the trend determination and the comparison with HCHO columns simulated by the state-of-the-art chemical transport model GEOS-Chem v9-02. Such a parametric model will be useful to scale the Jungfraujoch HCHO columns on satellite overpass times in the framework of future calibration/validation efforts of space borne sensors. GEOS-Chem sensitivity tests suggest then that the seasonal and inter-annual HCHO column variations above Jungfraujoch are predominantly led by the atmospheric CH4 oxidation, with a maximum contribution of 25 % from the anthropogenic non-methane volatile organic compound precursors during wintertime. Finally, trend analysis of the so-scaled 27-year FTIR time series reveals a long-term evolution of the HCHO columns in the remote troposphere to be related with the atmospheric CH4 fluctuations and the short-term OH variability: +2.9 %/yr between 1988 and 1995, -3.7 %/yr over 1996-2002 and +0.8/% yr from 2003 onwards. [less ▲]

Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are the first substitutes to the long-lived ozone depleting halocarbons, in particular the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Given the complete ban of the CFCs by the Montreal ... [more ▼]

Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are the first substitutes to the long-lived ozone depleting halocarbons, in particular the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Given the complete ban of the CFCs by the Montreal Protocol, its Amendments and Adjustments, HCFCs are on the rise, with current rates of increase substantially larger than at the beginning of the 21st century. HCFC-142b (CH3CClF2) is presently the second most abundant HCFC, after HCFC-22 (CHClF2). It is used in a wide range of applications, including as a blowing foam agent, in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Its concentration will soon reach 25 ppt in the northern hemisphere, with mixing ratios increasing at about 1.1 ppt/yr [Montzka et al., 2011]. The HCFC-142b lifetime is estimated at 18 years. With a global warming potential of 2310 on a 100-yr horizon, this species is also a potent greenhouse gas [Forster et al., 2007]. First space-based retrievals of HCFC-142b have been reported by Dufour et al. [2005]. 17 occultations recorded in 2004 by the Canadian ACE-FTS instrument (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier Transform Spectrometer, onboard SCISAT-1) were analyzed, using two microwindows (1132.5–1135.5 and 1191.5–1195.5 cm-1). In 2009, Rinsland et al. determined the HCFC-142b trend near the tropopause, from the analysis of ACE-FTS observations recorded over the 2004–2008 time period. The spectral region used in this study extended from 903 to 905.5 cm-1. In this contribution, we will present the first HCFC-142b measurements from ground-based high-resolution Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) solar spectra. We use observations recorded at the high altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8°E, 3580 m asl), with a Bruker 120HR instrument, in the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). The retrieval of HCFC-142b is very challenging, with simulations indicating only weak absorptions, lower than 1% for low sun spectra and current concentrations. Among the four microwindows tested, the region extending from 900 to 906 cm-1 proved to be the most appropriate, with limited interferences, in particular from water vapor. A total column time series spanning the 2004-2012 time period will be presented, analyzed and critically discussed. After conversion of our total columns to concentrations, we will compare our results with in situ measurements performed in the northern hemisphere by the AGAGE network. [less ▲]

Routine FTIR solar observations are performed by the University of Liège at the Jungfraujoch station (Swiss Alps, 3580 m altitude, NDACC station) since 1985. The analysis of the recorded spectra allows to ... [more ▼]

Routine FTIR solar observations are performed by the University of Liège at the Jungfraujoch station (Swiss Alps, 3580 m altitude, NDACC station) since 1985. The analysis of the recorded spectra allows to derive total and partial columns of more than 20 different atmospheric gases. Among them, gases belonging to the total reactive nitrogen NOy (NO, NO2, HNO3 and ClONO2), to the total inorganic chlorine Cly (HCl and ClONO2) and to the total inorganic fluorine Fy (HF and COF2) families. In this communication, budgets of these gas families are investigated, and their short term, seasonal and inter-annual variations as well as their long-term trends are determined for the time period ranging from the mid-1980s up to the end of 2011. We also investigate the evolution of the same gases, when available, derived from ground-based UV-vis (1990-present) and from HALOE (1991-2004) and ACE-FTS (2004-present) satellite observations. We evaluate the consistency between the trends characterizing these various species, as deduced from the ground- and space-based time series. [less ▲]

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after ... [more ▼]

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after methane. Its lifetime is estimated to a few days. Natural sources of CH3OH include plant growth, oceans, decomposition of plant matter, oxidation of methane,… They are complemented by anthropogenic (from vehicles, industry) and biomass burning emissions. Oxidation by the hydroxyl radical is the main sink, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (H2CO). The first reported retrievals of methanol used a microwindow extending from 992 to 999 cm-1 or from 1029 to 1037 cm-1. In both cases, lines of the strong ν8 band of CH3OH were adjusted, accounting for interferences by several isotopologues of ozone and by water vapor. In this contribution, we present first retrievals of CH3OH from observations recorded at the high-altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8°E, 3580 m asl), with a Bruker 120HR spectrometer, in the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). A strategy maximizing the information content and combining the 992-999 and 1029-1037 cm-1 domains has been set up and used. A preliminary long-term CH3OH total column time series derived from the Jungfraujoch observational database allows us to investigate the seasonal variation and long-term trend of this species at northern mid-latitudes. [less ▲]

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after ... [more ▼]

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after methane (Jacob et al., 2005). The same authors have estimated its lifetime to a few days. Natural sources of CH3OH include plant growth, oceans, decomposition of plant matter, oxidation of methane,. . . They are complemented by anthropogenic (from vehicles, industry) and biomass burning emissions. Oxidation by the hydroxyl radical is the main sink, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (H2CO) (Rinsland et al., 2009; Stavrakou et al., 2011, and references therein). The first retrievals of methanol from ground-based Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra have been reported by Rinsland et al. (2009), using spectra recorded at Kitt Peak (31.9ºN) and a microwindow extending from 992 to 999 cm-1. Soon after, Stavrakou et al. (2011) used another spectral interval from 1029 to 1037 cm-1, for methanol retrievals at Reunion Island (21ºS). In both cases, lines of the strong nu8 band of CH3OH were adjusted, accounting for interferences by several isotopologues of ozone and by water vapor. In this contribution, we will present first retrievals of CH3OH from observations recorded at the high-altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5ºN, 8ºE, 3580 m asl), with a Bruker 120HR spectrometer, in the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). We will implement existing retrieval approaches –and possibly additional one(s)– to determine which strategy is the most appropriate for our dry high-altitude site. If successful, a long-term CH3OH total column time series will be produced using the Jungfraujoch observational database, and we will perform preliminary investigations to characterize the seasonal and inter-annual variations of this species at northern mid-latitudes. [less ▲]

Historical solar spectra recorded at the Jungfraujoch station with a high-resolution grating spectrometer have been re-analyzed to derive total columns of a series of atmospheric gases. This instrument ... [more ▼]

Historical solar spectra recorded at the Jungfraujoch station with a high-resolution grating spectrometer have been re-analyzed to derive total columns of a series of atmospheric gases. This instrument, built and operated by the University of Liège (Belgium), was used in the Sixties and Seventies to record two solar spectrum atlases extending from the near-UV to the near-IR. From 1977 to 1989, it was also regularly used to record narrow spectral intervals in the mid-infrared, encompassing absorption lines of gases of atmospheric interest, e.g. CH4, HF, HCl, H2O, N2O, NO2, C2H6, O3 and CO. More than 10 thousand spectra were recorded during this period. The total columns derived from these grating spectra have been combined with the FTIR columns derived at the Jungfraujoch since the mid-1980s, in order to derive the temporal evolution of various target gases for the period 1977-2011. [less ▲]

The University of Liège (ULg) is operating -under clear sky conditions- two state-of-the-art Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers at the high-altitude research station of the Jungfraujoch ... [more ▼]

The University of Liège (ULg) is operating -under clear sky conditions- two state-of-the-art Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers at the high-altitude research station of the Jungfraujoch (Swiss Alps, 46.5ºN, 3580m asl), within the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Changes (NDACC). Routine FTIR operation started in 1984. Since then, it has been continued without disruption, allowing collecting more than 45000 high-resolution broadband IR solar absorption spectra, between 2 and 16 µm, using either HgCdTe or InSb detectors as well as a suite of optical filters. Typically, the spectral resolutions achieved lie in the 0.003 to 0.009 cm-1 interval while signal-to-noise ratios of 1000 and more are reached. Numerous narrow-band IR spectra essentially recorded from 1976 to 1989 with grating instruments are also available. Their analyses with modern tools have recently started [Bader et al., 2011] and will be pursued to consistently extend our datasets back in the 1970s. Geophysical parameters are deduced from the ULg observational database either with the SFIT-1, SFIT-2 or PROFFIT-9 algorithm, allowing producing total column time series of the target gases. In addition, information on their vertical distributions with altitude can generally be derived when using SFIT-2 or PROFFIT-9 which both implement the Optimal Estimation Method of Rodgers [1990]. Presently, more than two dozen atmospheric species are systematically retrieved from the Jungfraujoch observations, allowing the monitoring of key constituents of the Earth's atmosphere which play important roles in stratospheric ozone depletion and/or in global warming. This communication will focus on the direct and major greenhouse gases available from our database, namely water vapor, CO2, CH4, N2O, tropospheric ozone, CFC-11, CFC-12, HCFC-22, CCl4, SF6, as well as CF4 which has recently been added to our targets list [Duchatelet et al., 2011]. Trends and associated uncertainties characterizing the available -and often multi-decadal- time series have been derived or updated with a statistical bootstrap resampling tool [Gardiner et al., 2008], they will be presented and critically compared with data available from the literature. [less ▲]

Methane (CH4) is one of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, with current mean volume mixing ratio close to 1800 ppb. Since methane has a global warming potential of 25 (100-yr ... [more ▼]

Methane (CH4) is one of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, with current mean volume mixing ratio close to 1800 ppb. Since methane has a global warming potential of 25 (100-yr horizon) and an atmospheric lifetime of 12 years, the Kyoto Protocol has included it among the species to be regulated to limit global warming. Anthropogenic sources of methane are mainly energy production (coal and leaks) and agriculture while main natural sources are swamps and biomass waste. The main sink of methane is oxidation in the troposphere, primarily by reaction with the hydroxyl radical. Methane trends have exhibited significant changes during the last twenty-five years. For instance, long-term monitoring of its vertical total column above the high-altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8°E, 3580 m asl) has indeed allowed to derive column changes ranging from +0.72% in 1987-1988 to +0.14% in 1999-2000 (Zander et al., 2002), relative to 1988 and 2000, respectively. More recently and for the same site, Duchatelet et al. (2010) have even reported a significant slowdown of -0.02%/yr between years 2000 and 2005. This study also showed that since then, CH4 is on the rise again, at a rate close to +0.30%/yr. While the numbers reported here above have been derived from the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) data set starting in 1984, earlier pioneering observations have been collected at the Jungfraujoch since 1950, using grating spectrometers. During the 1958-1975 period, the main objectives has been the study of the solar photosphere in the visible and the near infrared and the publication of high-resolution solar atlases. From 1976 to 1989, narrow-band IR solar absorption observations achieving a spectral resolution of about 0.02 cm-1 have been recorded with the high-performance double-pass grating spectrometer. Analysis of these historical spectra provides a unique opportunity to extend the Jungfraujoch’s total column time series of important atmospheric gases, including methane, by nearly 10 years. The aim of this contribution is to present the inversion strategy adopted to derive CH4 from the grating spectra, using the SFIT-2 algorithm (v3.91) We will evaluate the impact of resolution, spectroscopic parameters (from the EU HYMN project -see www.knmi.nl/samen/hymn-, and from HITRAN 2004), atmospheric pressure and temperature profiles on the error budget. The 1976-1989 total column time series produced will be presented and critically discussed. In particular, we will identify and correct for possible biases between double-pass grating spectrometer measurements and more recent FTIR total columns. The harmonized and consolidated time series will be investigated to characterize the long-term trend of methane for the 1976-2010 time period. Comparisons with synthetic data produced by the CHASER 3-dimensional chemical transport model will also be presented and analyzed. [less ▲]

Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4 or PFC-14) is a potent greenhouse gas that is almost 7400 times more effective (100-yr horizon) than CO2 on a per molecule basis (IPCC, 2007). This high global warming potential ... [more ▼]

Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4 or PFC-14) is a potent greenhouse gas that is almost 7400 times more effective (100-yr horizon) than CO2 on a per molecule basis (IPCC, 2007). This high global warming potential, coming from its medium absorbance combined with a very long atmospheric lifetime (>50000 years; Ravishankara et al., 1993), makes CF4 a key species among the various greenhouse gases targeted by the Kyoto Protocol. In the Northern hemisphere, current atmospheric CF4 concentrations are close to 78 pptv, with a large fraction (around 35 pptv, Mühle et al., 2010) coming from natural processes like lithospheric emissions (Harnisch and Eisenhauer, 1998). In addition, CF4 has been used increasingly since the eighties in electronic and semiconductors industry. The primary aluminum production processes have also been clearly identified as an important anthropogenic source of CF4 emissions. The partitioning between these two main sources is however problematic, principally due to lacking or incomplete CF4 emission factors from inventories performed in industrial fields (e.g. International Aluminum Institute, 2009). Recent in situ ground level measurements of CF4 in the Northern hemisphere (Khalil et al., 2003; Mühle et al., 2010) or remotely from space (Rinsland et al., 2006) have indicated a significant slowdown in the increase rate of atmospheric CF4. This probably results from measures adopted by the aluminum industry aiming at the reduction of the frequency and duration of “anode effects” and therefore of related PFCs emissions (International Aluminum Institute, 2009). The present contribution reports on the long-term evolution (1990-2010) of the atmospheric carbon tetrafluoride total vertical abundance derived from ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) solar spectroscopy observations around 1285 cm-1 at the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8.0°E, 3580m asl) and compares our findings with results available in the literature. To our knowledge, no equivalent time series (i.e. based on ground-based FTIR technique) has been published to date. [less ▲]

This paper reports on daytime total vertical column abundances of formic acid (HCOOH) above the Northern mid-latitude, high altitude Jungfraujoch station (Switzerland; 46.5° N, 8.0° E, 3580 m alt.). The columns were derived from the analysis of infrared solar observations regularly performed with high spectral resolution Fourier transform spectrometers during over 1500 days between September 1985 and September 2007. The investigation was based on the spectrometric fitting of five spectral intervals, one encompassing the HCOOH ν6 band Q branch at 1105 cm−1, and four additional ones allowing to optimally account for critical temperature-sensitive or time-evolving interferences by other atmospheric gases, in particular HDO, CCl2F2 and CHClF2. The main results derived from the 22 years long database indicate that the free tropospheric burden of HCOOH above the Jungfraujoch undergoes important short-term daytime variability, diurnal and seasonal modulations, inter-annual anomalies, but no significant long-term background change. A major progress in the remote determination of the atmospheric HCOOH columns reported here has resulted from the adoption of new, improved absolute spectral line intensities for the infrared ν6 band of trans-formic acid, resulting in retrieved free tropospheric loadings being about a factor two smaller than if derived with previous spectroscopic parameters. Implications of this significant change with regard to earlier remote measurements of atmospheric formic acid and comparison with relevant Northern mid-latitude findings, both in situ and remote, will be assessed critically. Sparse HCOOH model predictions will also be evoked and assessed with respect to findings reported here. [less ▲]

The Institute of Astrophysics of the University of Liege has been present at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, since the late 1940s, to perform spectrometric solar observations ... [more ▼]

The Institute of Astrophysics of the University of Liege has been present at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, since the late 1940s, to perform spectrometric solar observations under dry and weakly polluted high-mountain conditions. Several solar atlases of photometric quality, extending altogether from the near-ultra-violet to the middle-infrared, were produced between 1956 and 1994, first with grating spectrometers then with Fourier transform instruments. During the early 1970s, scientific concerns emerged about atmospheric composition changes likely to set in as a consequence of the growing usage of nitrogen-containing agricultural fertilisers and the industrial production of chlorine-bearing compounds such as the chlorofluorocarbons and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons. Resulting releases to the atmosphere with ensuing photolysis in the stratosphere and catalytic depletion of the protective ozone layer prompted a worldwide consortium of chemical manufacturing companies to solicit the Liege group to help in clarifying these concerns by undertaking specific observations with its existing Jungfraujoch instrumentation. The following pages evoke the main steps that led from quasi full sun-oriented studies to priority investigations of the Earth's atmosphere, in support of both the Montreal and the Kyoto Protocols. [less ▲]

Since 1949, solar absorption spectra have been acquired at the Jungfraujoch observatory (Swiss Alps, 46.5°N, 8.0°E, 3580 m a.s.l.), first with grating spectrometers, then with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. Most observations collected with these instruments encompass water vapor absorptions, even the narrow spectral domains regularly recorded with the grating instruments to monitor the evolution of important atmospheric constituents. The aim of this work is to analyze all available spectra containing usable H2O absorption lines, to derive a long-term record of its total column in the atmosphere above the Jungfraujoch. In addition, more recent FTIR broadband spectra, with better signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, will be analyzed with state of the art algorithm, in order to derive information on the vertical distribution of H2O. [less ▲]

High-resolution infrared solar observations have been conducted consistently since the mid-1980s at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, by the GIRPAS-ULg team (Groupe ... [more ▼]

High-resolution infrared solar observations have been conducted consistently since the mid-1980s at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, by the GIRPAS-ULg team (Groupe Infra-Rouge de Physique Atmosphrique et Solaire-University of Lige), and by colleagues from the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy and from the Royal Observatory of Belgium, Brussels. These observations were performed with state-of-the-art Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, revealing specific absorption features of over 20 atmospheric gases in the middle-infrared. Related spectrometric analyses have allowed the derivation of their burdens, seasonal and inter-annual variability, as well as their long-term evolution. In addition to updates of long-term changes for CCl2F2, CHClF2, CH4, N2O, SF6, CO, C2H6 and C2H2 already dealt with at previous Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases (NCGG) symposia, this paper further reports temporal evolutions observed during the past two decades for a series of other source gases, namely OCS, HCN, CCl3F and CCl4, which also have direct or indirect effects on the radiation balance of the troposphere and on the stratospheric ozone layer. [less ▲]

This paper gives a brief description and “raison d’être” of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC) as well as its key research tasks to address the broader goal of monitoring ... [more ▼]

This paper gives a brief description and “raison d’être” of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC) as well as its key research tasks to address the broader goal of monitoring atmospheric changes and to identify their causes and related impacts on mankind’s environment. While the Network has primarily focussed, thus far, on monitoring the ozone layer and assessing global compliance with the Montreal Protocol, ongoing implementations and new capabilities have enabled it to adapt to more recent political developments such as the Kyoto Proto-col on substances affecting the climate system. Examples of activities in support of the latter are reported, based on infrared solar observations at the Jungfraujoch station. [less ▲]

The colocation of two technically different instruments for ground-based remote sensing of NO2 total column amounts at the primary Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change Alpine station of the ... [more ▼]

The colocation of two technically different instruments for ground-based remote sensing of NO2 total column amounts at the primary Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change Alpine station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8.0°E) has been exploited for mutual validation of the long-term NO2 time series from both instruments and for a quantitative evaluation of the impact of the Mount Pinatubo eruption on the NO2 abundance above this northern mid-latitude observatory. The two techniques are high-resolution Fourier transform infrared solar absorption spectrometry and zenith-sky differential optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV visible. The diurnal variation of NO2 has been simulated by a simple photochemical model that allows a comparison between the data from the two techniques. This model is shown to reproduce the observed morning to evening ratios to 2.3%, on average, which is fully adequate for the needs of this study. From the 1985–1996 combined time series of NO2 morning and evening abundances, it has been concluded that the enhanced aerosol load injected into the stratosphere by Mount Pinatubo caused a maximum NO2 reduction above the Jungfraujoch by 45% in early January 1992 that died out quasi-exponentially to zero by the beginning of 1995. [less ▲]

Within the frame of NDSC (Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change)-related monitoring activities conducted at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch (Swiss Alps, 46.5°N, 8.0°E ... [more ▼]

Within the frame of NDSC (Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change)-related monitoring activities conducted at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch (Swiss Alps, 46.5°N, 8.0°E, 3580 m a.s.l.), long-term investigations of the inorganic chlorine and fluorine budgets have been pursued during the last years. They are based on the analysis of high-resolution infrared solar spectra, recorded with grating and Fourier transform state-of-the-art spectrometers. Nonlinear least squares fittings of synthetic spectra to the observations are performed over selected intervals, encompassing characteristic absorptions of HCl, ClONO2, HF and COF2; this allows the retrieval of their total vertical column abundances above the Jungfraujoch and the evaluation of their budgets. [less ▲]

The spring 1996 polar vortex was very deep and cold, with temperatures down to the ice formation threshold, and persisted until March. The northern hemisphere ozone decrease in winter 1995-1996 was larger ... [more ▼]

The spring 1996 polar vortex was very deep and cold, with temperatures down to the ice formation threshold, and persisted until March. The northern hemisphere ozone decrease in winter 1995-1996 was larger than ever before in the nineties. Particularly at the European mid-latitudes, transport of air masses from the polar vortex towards mid-latitudes had a noticeable impact on the stratospheric temperatures and composition. Such was not observed that clearly in the latest winter 1996-1997. In this work, signatures of polar vortex overpasses in spring 1996 at several European mid-latitude stations are indicated. Most significant events have been observed at these stations with a delay of one to four days, on the following days: 18-22/1, 14-20/2, 1-6/3, 29/3, 15-17/4. The focus here will be on the two events in March. [less ▲]

The currently available database of total ozone amounts observed at the Jungfraujoch site in the Swiss Alps starts in 1984, based on high-resolution infrared solar absorption spectroscopic measurements ... [more ▼]

The currently available database of total ozone amounts observed at the Jungfraujoch site in the Swiss Alps starts in 1984, based on high-resolution infrared solar absorption spectroscopic measurements, and has been complemented by daily SAOZ data since mid-1990. The latter instrument (Système d'Analyse par Observations Zénithales) measures the ozone column by application of the DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) method to zenith-sky scattered-light spectra in the ultraviolet-visible range, taken at twilight. The actual intercomparison for the overlapping period reveals a negative systematic offset of the FTIR with respect to the SAOZ data of 3.8 % on average, but showing a seasonal variation in the difference. Part of the observed difference probably originates in the model atmospheres that influence the retrieved column differently for each technique. This work shows the development of a climatological ozone vertical distribution model that is more representative of the real atmosphere, exploiting daily meteorological data that are commonly available at the Jungfraujoch site. It argues that the use of this climatological model may improve the accuracy of the retrieved total columns, and hence the agreement between the SAOZ and FTIR datasets; some possible improvements to the model are suggested. Application of this concept to a re-analysis of past observations, making use of existing meteorological long-term records, will enhance the validity of the ozone database at the Jungfraujoch. [less ▲]

Total vertical column abundances of carbonyl fluoride (COF2) have been derived from observations made at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch (ISSJ; altitude 3.58 km, latitude 46.5 ... [more ▼]

Total vertical column abundances of carbonyl fluoride (COF2) have been derived from observations made at the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch (ISSJ; altitude 3.58 km, latitude 46.5 degrees N, longitude 8.0 degrees E), Switzerland. A systematic analysis of two microwindows containing lines of the vi band was performed, based on a large set of high resolution infrared solar absorption spectra recorded with Fourier transform spectrometers, from 1985 to 1995. Examination of the whole available database indicates a significant increase of the burden of COF2 during the 1988-1995 period. The average exponential rate and the average linear rate referenced to 1992, calculated from daily mean measurements, are both equal to (4.0 +/- 0.5)% yr(-1) (one sigma error). The results are also evaluated and discussed within the context of seasonal variability and correlation between carbonyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride (HF) columns above the ISSJ. [less ▲]